"Salamander Starts Over" at The New York International Fringe Festival
“Salamander Starts Over” Written and Performed by Armando Merlo Directed and Developed by Leigh Ann Pedra Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
An interesting addition to the New York International Fringe Festival is a solo performance at the White Box at 440 Studios bearing the name “Salamander Starts Over” which is written and performed by Armando Merlo. This is a coming of age journal observing the personal events and obstructions that enable a young man to better understand his past and move on. Salamander refers to a nickname given to Merlo by his wrestling coach at his newly inhabited all boy catholic high school, because of his slight frame and agile dexterity making him slippery and almost impossible to be pinned down by his opponents. Here this alias is reinforced by this actor as he quickly slips from one character to another darting across the empty stage. “Salamander Starts Over” is structurally sound because Merlo uses theatrical grammar to stress meaningful points, pausing briefly to sit on a school desk and embody either of his parents who have made such a profound effect on his journey. Although the timing is sometimes lacking and there is room for a sharper focus, Merlo accomplishes the task of delivering his story in a heartfelt manner.
This is a chronicle of growth and an example of how difficult it might be to experience the hardship, pain and discomfort from the obstacles encountered. Merlo provides his audience with a visual diary filled with humor and honestly to best convey his message. Spend an hour engrossed in this intimate theater experience and enjoy a very sensitive performance; you will leave inspired.
“SALAMANDER STARTS OVER”
Presented by the NY International Fringe Festival. Written and performed by Armando Merlo; Directed and Developed by Leigh Ann Pedra; Production Management by Kiki Beckles.
All performances take place at The White Box at 440 Studios, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor (Astor Place and East 4th Street) in New York, NY. Tickets are available at www.fringenyc.org or 866-468-7619. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Senior and Fringe Junior tickets available at the door for $10. Running time: 1 hour and 10 minutes with no intermission. For further information, visit: www.salamanderstartsover.com
Remaining Show Dates: Tuesday, August 21st @ 4:00 pm Wednesday, August 22nd @ 8:30 pm Sunday, August 26th @ 12:00 Noon
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
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